vibration

American  

[vahy-brey-shuhn] / vaɪˈbreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of vibrating, or an instance of vibratory motion; oscillation; quiver; tremor.

2. the state of being vibrated.

3. Physics.

   1. the oscillating, reciprocating, or other periodic motion of a rigid or elastic body or medium forced from a position or state of equilibrium.

   2. the analogous motion of the particles of a mass of air or the like, whose state of equilibrium has been disturbed, as in transmitting sound.

4. a supernatural emanation, bearing good or ill, that is sensed by or revealed to those attuned to the occult.

5. Informal. Often vibrations vibe.

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vibration British  

/ vaɪˈbreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of vibrating

2. physics

   1. a periodic motion about an equilibrium position, such as the regular displacement of air in the propagation of sound

   2. a single cycle of such a motion

3. the process or state of vibrating or being vibrated

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vibration Scientific  

/ vī-brā′shən /

1. A rapid oscillation of a particle, particles, or elastic solid or surface, back and forth across a central position.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonvibration
  noun
• vibrationless
  adjective
• revibration
  noun
• unvibrational
  adjective
• vibrational
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of vibration

First recorded in 1645–55, and in 1965–70 vibration for def. 5; from Latin vibrātiōn- (stem of vibrātiō ); see vibrate, -ion

Explanation

A vibration is a shaking motion. If you feel a strong vibration in your car every time you step on the brakes, it might be a good idea to take it to a mechanic. You might feel a vibration in your floor when your neighbor is playing his music too loudly, and you'll know a thunderstorm is approaching when you feel the vibration of your trembling dog at your side. The rapid back and forth movement or quivering of an electric toothbrush or a mild earthquake is a vibration. The Latin vibratus, "move quickly to and fro" is the root word.

Example Sentences

Genesis brand engineers spend some coin to attenuate engine and mechanical noise, vibration and harshness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

In November 2025, the army had to pause its use of the Ajaxes after soldiers became unwell from the noise and vibration issues, with some vomiting after leaving the vehicle.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

Qubits are extremely fragile and even tiny changes in temperature or a small vibration can affect them and cause errors.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

A second ultrafast laser pulse then tracked how that motion interacted with another coupled vibration in the material.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

She wanted us to understand the vibration certain sounds required.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Related Words

• fluctuation
• oscillation
• pulse
• reverberation
• tremor